Support setting up remote workspaces
Many King County employees are teleworking through July 5, 2021, as we try to limit the transmission of the novel coronavirus and slow its spread. Remote work has its challenges. To support teleworking employees, King County will provide assistance, where needed, with equipment to support telework. This assistance may take four forms: Taking equipment home from work Purchase of home office equipment Furniture, equipment, or supplies for a medical accommodation Connectivity support Necessary furniture and equipment can be purchased prior to the end of 2020, and the County will provide computers and… Read More
Guide for parents with children at home due to COVID-19
The announcement that most schools will start remotely in fall of 2020 creates additional challenges for working parents, as does caring for elderly or sick family members. King County has put together a new guide for parents with children at home whose school or childcare has closed because of COVID-19 to help them better understand their options for adjusting schedules and taking leave to care for family members. The Guidance for parents with children at home sets out several options for working parents, such as adjusted work schedules, the various leaves available, and accessing… Read More
New support and resources to help employees during COVID-19
King County has announced some new financial resources, tools, and policy decisions to help employees manage during this pandemic and make our work sites safer for everyone. The new resources include support setting up remote workspaces, more options for flexible work schedules, support resources and leave options for parents with school-aged children at home, and updated guidance on wearing face masks at work. The Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery has also been updated and divided into two separate guides with specific information for employees in one guide, and managers and supervisors in… Read More
Wastewater Treatment Division employees help design a world for everyone
The Community Services (CS) team in King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is known for comprehensive, creative, and thoughtful outreach. CS team members solve problems and find ways to work with diverse communities throughout WTD’s 400-square mile service area. The CS team takes the County’s True North initiative seriously, engaging residents through trusted community-based organizations and expanding translation and live interpretation services every year. CS team member Monica Van der Vieren found ways to address a need that all of us will face at some time in our lives: accessibility. Monica leads… Read More
Welcome people of all abilities to your remote meetings and events!
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories Are you hosting remote meetings? King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) would like to share some advice that will make your meetings more accessible. Not too long ago, a pandemic might mean intense social isolation for some. Today, technology lets us stay connected in real time, if not in person. Remote interactions are a lifeline in this challenging time. Telework, remote visits with family, virtual tours, and online community engagement connect us with others while protecting our health. Read more.
Update: Telecommuting with children at home
Crossposted from Balanced You To slow the spread of coronavirus, King County employees who can telecommute have been mandated to telecommute until at least Sept. 7, 2020. Because K-12 schools have closed, King County is temporarily allowing parents and caretakers to telecommute while caring for children at home. Telecommuting with children at home is a new experience for most employees and can present its own unique challenges. As such, Balanced You has put together some advice to help you continue to be productive and keep your family safe. Read more from Balanced You
Extension of mandatory telecommuting through Sept. 7
Dear fellow King County employee, For almost three months, we have been working together to stop the spread of COVID-19. By maintaining social distancing, changing the way we deliver services, telecommuting wherever possible, implementing measures to keep front line staff safer, practicing good hygiene and, now, wearing cloth face masks, we have helped to flatten the curve in King County and save countless lives. These changes haven’t always been easy, and I am grateful for your willingness to adapt and embrace these new and necessary precautions in the interest of our community… Read More
Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting
On May 21, 2020, King County Executive Dow Constantine extended mandatory telecommuting for all Executive Branch employees who are currently telecommuting through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, except where there is an operational need to physically return to the workplace. Employees in other branches (definitions below) of County government will receive guidance from their leaders. Read the Executive’s announcement here, and please see our updated guidance below. First responders: Employees designated as first responders have the highest duty to report to work as directed in emergency conditions. Given the unique situation of the COVID-19… Read More
Keeping you updated on COVID-19 personnel guidance
Last week, King County extended its mandatory telecommuting for Executive Branch employees who have been telecommuting through Sunday, May 31, 2020. Gov. Jay Inslee has also extended Washington’s stay-at-home order through May 31 and released plan for a phased approach for re-opening the state’s economy. Here is a reminder of our key guidance for County employees. This guidance is subject to change and will be reissued if conditions warrant, and we will update you of any changes: Telecommuting through May 31: King County has extended mandatory telecommuting for Executive Branch employees who have been telecommuting through Sunday, May… Read More
Telecommuting guidance extended through May 31
Dear employee, Yesterday, Governor Inslee reiterated that the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 will stay in place at least until May 4, and possibly longer. These restrictions are absolutely necessary if we are to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state and our region, and our employees – especially our first responders and mission-critical employees – have been doing everything they can to continue serving our region under extremely challenging circumstances. Regardless of when the order is lifted, our operations will not return… Read More
Employee News 